Standout Forwards and Centers in 4A Finals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What a Game!</strong> That was the prevailing sentiment after fans witnessed what was likely the best game at the State Championship Tournament, including this week and last week. The Stage was set in the semifinals and basketball fans had a feeling about this match-up. The game featured a McDonald's All-American point guard ([player_tooltip player_id='346835' first='Jaida' last='Civil']) who is always "Must See TV" . The game also featured two top ten guards in the State who have received multiple D1 offers. As the clocks struck zero in the Semifinals, the Center match-up between [player_tooltip player_id='515288' first='Dezuray' last='McGill'] and [player_tooltip player_id='346819' first='Trishay' last='Collins'] had the potential to be memorable. Well, the match-up proved to be even better than advertised. The guards and centers delivered outstanding performances, and don't leave out the forwards as they delivered on the big stage in a big way. Furthermore, the three forwards on Palm Bay provided a glimpse of what could be the best front court in high school next year. But, back to this year and better yet - this game. In this article, we look at the special performances delivered by the forwards and centers in the "<strong>what a game</strong>" 4A Finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1211629,"width":"406px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/DSC05296.jpg?w=710" alt="" class="wp-image-1211629" style="width:406px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='515288' first='Dezuray' last='McGill'] delivered an outstanding performance. She started out cooking and was taking it to Palm Bay (9 First Quarter Points) McGill converted some highly contested shots in the paint and showed her versatility with several mid-range jumpers. Defensively, McGill was equally up for the challenge, blocking shots and altering shots in the paint all game long. Her footwork, ability to run in transition, and hold it down on defense made for an elite performance on the biggest stage. McGill finished with a team high 17 points (7-11 from the field and 75 percent from the free-throw line).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1211645,"width":"428px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/DSC05146.jpg?w=965" alt="" class="wp-image-1211645" style="width:428px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='346819' first='Trishay' last='Collins'] was a standout and her matchup with [player_tooltip player_id='515288' first='Dezuray' last='McGill'] was the best one on one matchup of the evening. Collins was a pest on defense for the entire game and finished with 10 points and 5 blocks. Collins does a good job of reading her guards and has good timing on back cuts and making herself open when her opponent attempts to help on defense. She was definitely a force and a standout in the 4A Finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1211648,"width":"384px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/DSC05335.jpg?w=954" alt="" class="wp-image-1211648" style="width:384px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='514519' first='Carleyssia' last='Wallace'] had only 2 points and 2 assists after 3 quarters and then said it was time to turn it up a notch. Wallace helped erase a 7 point deficit with an 11 point outburst in the 4th quarter. Known for her beautiful left handed jump shot, Carleyssia stepped up in the transition game and knocked down 5 free throws in the final quarter to cap off a 7 for 7 free throw night. She was rock-solid on defense showing an ability to cover guards and forwards, especially on pick and roll plays. Wallace showed a lot of versatility on both ends of the floor and could interchangeably play the 2, 3, and 4 positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1211653,"width":"392px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/DSC05370.jpg?w=850" alt="" class="wp-image-1211653" style="width:392px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='514524' first='Ellieyana' last='Wallace'] had ice water in her veins as she knocked down 3 three pointers in the 1st quarter and was 4 for 4 at the end of the first half. She kept her team within striking distance scoring 9 of her team's 14 first quarter points. One play that comes to mind was her pick and pop three pointer at the end of the quarter. Wallace ended up with 14 points. Carleyssia's twin sister is who she was known as before the game, but they might be calling her "Ellie-Jelly" after her sweet performance in the 4A Finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1211658,"width":"356px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/DSC05334.jpg?w=671" alt="" class="wp-image-1211658" style="width:356px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='515069' first='Erynn' last='Moffett'] was the second most athletic player on the court, and some might say the most. Moffett made her presence felt all over the court with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and a State Championship at the end. The Sophomore forward took a baseline drive and just overpowered the defender to score. It made a statement. Moffett not only showed athleticism, but also versatility. She has the ability to play 3-4 positions on the floor and it wasn't uncommon to see it in the Finals. She put the defensive clamps down in the paint and her on-ball defense against the point guard on the perimeter was was physical and telling. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->